2018 Shamrock Football Season Preview

The Shamrocks kicked off their season with a scrimmage Friday, August 17th at Manistee Catholic Central. St. Pat’s had contests against Brethren, Manistee Catholic Central and Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian. It was a successful day for the Shamrocks with only a few bumps and bruises and a good learning opportunity versus quality opponents.

This season should be a challenging one for the Shamrocks. After making it to the State Championship game last year, they lost four starting players and face a greatly improved 8-man football lineup in the state of Michigan with some new schools going to 8-man football. The Shamrocks also lost their three biggest players last year, but should be faster as a team this year.

Returning starters on offense are Tanner Lawson at QB, Jeff Davlin at OL, Brett Weller at OL, Zach Spitzley at TE, Paul Cook at TE, Ned Smith at TB, and Riley Kissane at TB. On defense, the Shamrocks return starters John Schneider at DB, Alex Kissane at LB, Paul Cook at LB, Zach Spitzley at DE, and Ned Smith at NG. Senior Brett Price will also contribute at DB, and OL, and Senior Tanner Lawson will also contribute in the defensive secondary. Sophomores Brice Cook (Center/Guard/Defensive End), Brian Kwiecinski (Guard/Noseguard) and Connor Cross (Tight End/Safety) will all contribute this year.

Sophomore Devin Fox-Elster (DE/SE), along with freshman Derec Fedewa (RB/LB), Shane Cook (DB/SE), and Braxton Teachworth (DB/SE) will all contribute to Shamrock's success.

This seasons schedule will be a major leap forward in terms of competitiveness. Starting with North Adams, a 2017 playoff team, will bring some large linemen and good running backs on 8/24. Burr Oak is consistently a well-coached football team, and will come to compete on Thursday, 8/30. Possibly the biggest regular season test of the year may be in week three against Camden-Frontier. Camden-Frontier finished the season 9-0 last year before losing to a very good Lawrence team in the first round of the playoffs. Week four brings another solid program, with Webberville coming to Portland. Bellevue is another big school, in it’s second year of 8-man football and made it to the state Semi-finals in Division I last year. Bellevue also gave the Shamrocks their only regular season loss in 2017, beating the Shamrocks in week 3 last year.

In the final third of the season, Colon is in week six, and is a relative unknown, as this is it’s first year in 8-man football. They finished with a 2-7 record in 2017 playing a pretty solid 11-man football schedule. Tekonsha is solid every year, and barely missed the playoffs in 2017. Finishing up the season will be Ashley, which is in it’s first year of 8-man football as well.

In an interview with Head Coach Patrick Russman, he seemed focused on building strong young men, and not worrying as much about the football. “Prospects for the season, we are looking at being better Catholic men. That’s the challenge we have as coaches, and the challenge that we have as players.” Russman said, “Football is a great sport, it is a ton of fun, but we want to focus on the important things. Treating people well, being great teammates, and building young men who will sacrifice for others.”

St. Patrick Varsity Football 2017

Day Date Opponent Location Time

Friday 8/24/18 North Adams Home 7:00

Thursday 8/30/18 Burr Oak Away 7:00

Saturday 9/08/18 Camden-Frontier Home 7:00

Friday 9/14/18 Webberville Home 7:00

Friday 9/21/18 Bellevue Away 7:00

Saturday 9/29/18 St. Philip Away 7:00

Friday 10/05/18 Colon Home 7:00

Friday 10/12/17 Tekonsha Away 7:00

Friday 10/19/17 Ashley Away 7:00